Eczema

Eczema or skin itch may be triggered by allergies, irritation, stress, or infections.

What Is Eczema?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the condition is a type of chronic inflammation of the skin. The most frequent type of the disorder is called an atopic form, also known as atopic dermatitis. Like most inflammatory diseases, the atopic variety may have a potential heredity or genetic factor: it’s likely to appear repeatedly on the patient’s family tree. The disease is sometimes associated with other allergic conditions such as hay fever or asthma. Goodman Dermatology diagnoses and treats patients with all skin conditions and diseases.

What Causes Eczema?

The atopic form is a chronic and recurring skin condition. It frequently first appears during infancy or in the first few years of life, but some patients first experience the disease as an adult. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition isn’t an “itchy rash” but skin itch that becomes a rash as the patient scratches. But without scratching, no rash forms! Goodman Dermatology will prescribe treatment options to reduce skin itch in diagnosed patients.

About twenty percent of children suffer the condition before age five. Babies and children are usually most uncomfortable with the condition. Development of atopic dermatitis can foreshadow development of other allergies, such as asthma or post-nasal drip. Only one to three percent of adults experience the condition for the first time. Patients older than fifty years old rarely develop the condition.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Dr. Marcus B. Goodman diagnoses atopic dermatitis after collecting symptoms’ history and a physical examination. Lab work isn’t required to diagnose the disease. Three criteria are needed in order to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis:

Atopy, or indication that the patient is atopic, is indicated from the patient’s medical history. Family members may also suffer allergic conditions. Very rarely, the patient may have atopic dermatitis without atopy.

Pruritis is another word to describe skin itch. The patient’s skin itch results in scratching, and scratching creates skin rash. Without skin itch or the urge to scratch the skin area, the patient is unlikely to have atopic dermatitis.

Appearance of Eczema, or red bumps or blisters forming a rash, has a distinct appearance. Over time, skin may thicken or take on a leather-like appearance.

Where Does Eczema Appear?

Infants and children usually develop facial rash, scalp, arms, legs, chest, or trunk. In other words, the rash develops only in those areas where the child can scratch his or her skin itch. (For instance, he or she can’t scratch the skin covered by the diaper.) Older patients often get the condition on elbows and backs of knees, eyelids, soles of the feet, or palms of other patients.

What Are the Triggers of Skin Itch?

Skin itch may be triggered by allergies, irritation, stress, or infections. Direct stimulation of the patient’s skin can cause irritation, or irritating sweat, cleansers, fabrics, temperatures, or chemicals may be the cause. Once triggers are identified through allergy testing, the patient can avoid the cause or trigger of his or her skin itch.

Constant scratching can make the patient more likely to secondary bacteria, fungi, or virus infections. Staphylococcus aureas, a common bacteria, can create sores on the skin. Herpes simplex, or Herpes Virus Type 1, can also attack irritated, rashy skin.

What Are the Treatments for Eczema?

Some patients with severe forms of atopic dermatitis require treatment with topical corticosteroids or creams containing pimecrolimus/tacrolimus. Other patients may require antihistamine treatments before bed if skin itch is interrupting the patient’s sleep.

Oral corticosteroids may help some patients with a chronic condition. These medicines help to reduce the body’s inflammatory process.

Phototherapy treatments expose the patient to UVA/UVB light. The dermatologist may apply or inject a photosensitizing agent that work only when exposed to light therapy.

Some patients may need immunomodulators if corticosteroids and other treatments don’t work.

Allergy Testing

Allergies can also act as triggers for skin itch. Allergens in contact with the patient’s skin, such as dust mites, pollens, dander from pets or animals, or mold can trigger the patient’s urge to scratch. Some patients are allergic to certain foods, such as dairy products or eggs. Identification of the food allergy, and avoidance of it, can prevent the trigger from causing itchy skin.

Allergy testing is obviously important in stopping the cycle of skin itch to scratch to skin rash. Allergy testing and resulting allergy shots should be considered if the patient suffers seasonal allergies.

Conclusion

Goodman Dermatology is a medical resource for patients and their families in and around the greater Atlanta metro area, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Dawsonville, Cumming, Woodstock, Dunwoody, East Cobb, and Northeast Cobb County. Patients with skin concerns should call Dr. Marcus B. Goodman for an appointment at (770) 754-0787

Testimonials

I like that his appointment times are convenient, was able to make a 7:45am appointment and was done and into work by 8:30am, no hassle of waiting forever like some doctors.
- K.D.
March 7, 2014

Dr. Goodman is the best doctor I have ever had. Period. He takes the time to talk to you and explain every step of the treatment. He is conscious of cost and has a great sense of humor. As a busy professional, I really appreciate that he is always on time. He also has a wonderful staff. I highly recommend Dr. Goodman. My only complaint...I wish I could go to him for all my medical needs.
- Review from Kudzu
May 31, 2014

Love Dr G. have been using him for over a year. I have all sorts of recurring derm issues and he is always on top of what to do. Knows the latest in meds and treatment options. When he can he gives samples rather than have you buy super expensive stuff. Efficient staff.
- Verified Patient
January 6, 2014

Best dermatology visit I have ever had and I have been going monthly for 7 years!! Great Dr., staff, and facility! Free parking and almost no wait! Love that I was not rushed and had plenty of opportunities to ask questions! Left with samples and coupons and even had a suspicious spot removed and I would have never expected a skin check at an acne visit! Grateful! So glad the Dr. is younger, I will be a patient for life!
- M.S.
March 4, 2013

I have never had a doctor more responsive to patient needs. His office breaks the mold. No wait time in the office. Lengthy visit with the doctor. Friendly follow up from the staff with assistance in prescription filling with my pharmacy. Could not ask for more!
- Lisa B
April 4, 2012

Dr Goodman holds so very true, Dr Goodman is a truly "good man" and a great physician. He is the absolute BEST Dermatologist I have EVER met (that includes Atlanta, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles). He is focused on the patient getting the best result possible. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr Goodman if you are looking for the VERY BEST !!!!!
- Victoria
April, 2013

Goodman Dermatology Center with offices in Roswell, Georgia, Marietta, GA (East Cobb), Woodstock, Georgia, Dawsonville, Georgia provides high quality dermatology and cosmetic services to patients in the North Atlanta Metro area including Alpharetta, Cumming, Marietta, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Canton, Holly Springs, East Cobb, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, Milton, Dawsonville, Cumming, Gainsville, Dahlonega and Big Canoe. With experience and training, our expert physicians and medical staff are dedicated to helping their patients with all of their dermatology needs and cosmetic goals. From treating all skin diseases such as acne, skin cancer, Eczema, Psoriasis, Moles, Rosacea, warts, and hair loss to Botox and fillers, facial laser treatments, laser hair removal, spider vein treatment, chemical peels, and soothing facials, we provide a complete range of services that focus on anti-aging, wellness, and beauty, all tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. We recognize that every patient is different and that each treatment plan needs to be customized and tailored to meet the individual unique requirements.